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The Cougars had a 12-point lead in the second half, but the resilient Gators (36-4 record) stormed back and took a late lead and then the defense took over as they suffocated Houston, which didn't get a shot off in three possessions in the final minute of play.
Congratulations to the Florida Gators . . . 2024-25 NCAA Men's Basketball Champions !
They look practically unbeatable . . . on paper.
But the fact is the games have to be won on the baseball diamond and there have been numerous teams throughout the ages that looked invincible, but they failed to get it done once October baseball rolled around.
The Dodgers should be favored with all the talent they have and perhaps the biggest star in the game with Shohei Ohtani (reigning National League MVP) and a deep roster, including some of the best pitchers in the sport. But again, they have to go out on the field and prove it. The Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and perhaps the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks look to be formidable foes to the Dodgers in the National League pennant race this year.
Over in the American League, there are numerous teams that could raise the flag come October. The New York Yankees are the reigning A.L. champs and they have been bitten by the injury bug already in spring training. They will be without top pitcher Gerritt Cole (Tommy John surgery) for the entire season as well as starting pitcher Luis Gil (out until at least June) and one of their sluggers (Giancarlo Stanton) is sidelined with bad elbow issues. They better pray that last year's A.L. MVP Aaron Judge stays healthy or it could be a long, disappointing summer for the Bronx Bombers.
This should be another interesting season around the league and here goes another shot at predicting the outcome for the upcoming season with a look at the divisional races as well as the final outcome once the post-season starts.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
East
1. Boston Red Sox - They spent a lot of money on free agent players and are hoping some new pitchers can make a difference. We will see.
2. Baltimore Orioles - The Orioles sore spot is the starting pitching, but they can score runs. Another playoff appearance should happen.
3. New York Yankees - They could finish anywhere from first to third place in baseball's best division. They must maintain a healthy roster.
4. Toronto Blue Jays - The team from Canada could be a dark horse playoff contender this year.
5. Tampa Bay Rays - They have good pitching and likely too many question marks after that.
Central
1. Cleveland Guardians - This team is solid, but they have to contend with three other teams that could win this division.
2. Detroit Tigers - The roar is back in Motown and this team could make the playoffs again.
3. Minnesota Twins - Injuries hurt the Twins last year, so don't count them out this summer.
4. Kansas City Royals - A scrappy team that will be in the mix in a balanced division.
5. Chicago White Sox - Looking to avoid 100 losses this year.
West
1. Texas Rangers - Injuries knocked them out of contention last year. They should be solid again in 2025.
2. Seattle Mariners - Pitching is strong, but the offense is among the worst in baseball.
3. Houston Astros - An aging ball club trying to rebuild/reload on the fly.
4. (Sacramento) Athletics - The future Las Vegas A's are shaping up with a decent roster that could surprise some teams this year. Stay tuned.
5. Los Angeles Angels - This team is still in rebuild mode.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
East
1. Atlanta Braves - This team could win the World Series if they stay healthy and play up to capabilities.
2. Philadelphia Phillies - The Phillies regressed last year in playoffs, but will contend and they have to be ready once October rolls around.
3. New York Mets - Juan Soto will thrill the fans, but after that who knows?
4. Washington Nationals - This team appears to be on the rise, just not quite there yet this year.
5. Miami Marlins - Looking to avoid another disastrous season after making playoff just two years ago.
Central
1. Chicago Cubs - Cubbies looking to rebound after an up and down 2024 season.
2. Cincinnati Reds - New manager Terry Francona expects this team to contend for division title and they should.
3. Milwaukee Brewers - They seemed to over achieve last year, so other teams will be ready to play them all summer long.
4. Pittsburgh Pirates - Pitching sensation Paul Skenes is worth the price of admission. Bucs are building for a better future.
5. St. Louis Cardinals - This team is a mystery.
West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers - As long as they spend, they'll win.
2. Arizona Diamondbacks - This team made it to the World Series two years ago and added ace pitcher Corbin Burnes to their roster this season. Watch out!
3. San Diego Padres - Talented team that needs to get out of the gate sooner if they want to make the playoffs this year.
4. San Francisco Giants - Another .500 type finish is likely for the Giants.
5. Colorado Rockies - Young team that looks to be trending upwards . . . should be better this season.
The outlook for the 2025 post-season . . .
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Wild Card Round - Orioles over Tigers; Yankees over Guardians
ALDS - Rangers over Yankees; Orioles over Red Sox
ALCS - Rangers over Orioles
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Wild Card Round - Cubs over Reds; Diamondbacks over Phillies
NLDS - Dodgers over Diamondbacks; Braves over Cubs
NLCS - Dodgers over Braves
2025 WORLD SERIES - Los Angeles Dodgers over Texas Rangers (in six games)
The 68-team field has been selected and it gets started with the four play-in games and then this weekend the MADNESS begins in earnest.
The four number-one seeds are Duke, Houston, Florida and Auburn and the pick here is for three of them to advance to the Final Four in a little over two weeks.
Duke vs. Houston and Florida vs. (2 seed) Michigan State with the Duke Blue Devils and Florida Gators playing for the NCAA championship.
FLORIDA wins it all this time around.
Wisen up folks!
The way Trump and Musk have been trying to do things recently is insane and the good people of the United States of America are beginning to rise up and tell them (along with numerous democratic and republican members of the U.S. House and Senate) that this is NOT ACCEPTABLE.
We all have seen the recent actions of this so called presidential administration and all the harm they are willing to inflict on everyday Americans just so corporations and the richest of the rich in this country can have another tax cut.
Bullshit!
We are not having it and to put it simply . . . a foreigner (Musk) has absolutely no business dictating to us what will be done with OUR MONEY when it comes to Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security (an earned benefit we paid into all our lives) just so one percent of the U.S. population can have more.
Simply put, REAL Presidents of the United States of America do no act this way.
Trump is a convicted felon and a traitor to this country who tried to lead a coup attempt (which failed) against the United States government four years ago. And now here he is back somehow as the "leader" of this country trying the same old script and we are NOT having it.
The people of this country are wise to the bullshit of Trump and his minions and the so called news media of this country needs to wisen up as well. Those corporate toadies are useless when it comes to competent coverage of actual facts of this criminal regime attempting to ruin this country.
Don't let up folks . . . keep the pressure on them and soon enough Trump, Musk and all the rest of their criminal accomplices will fade away into obscurity.
God Bless America . . . Our country!
The Philadelphia Eagles thoroughly dominated the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX with a 40-22 win as their defense held Kansas City's offense in check, including getting three turnovers and six sacks on quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was intercepted twice while throwing for three touchdowns in the blowout loss. Meanwhile, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts (pictured above left) was named the Most Valuable Player as he passed for two touchdowns (221 yards on 17-of-22 passing) and also rushed for a score along with 72 rushing yards. Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean took an interception back 38 yards for a touchdown as Philly built a 24-0 halftime lead.
The Eagles out gained the Chiefs, 345-275 in total yardage as they won their second Super Bowl title in the last eight seasons while avenging a three-point loss to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl two years ago.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!
This year's game should go down to the wire as well as quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts do their thing on offense. The defenses will have something to say about the final outcome. The Eagles defense was tops in the NFL this past season and they can get after the quarterback. Likewise with the Chiefs defense when it comes to quarterback sacks. Philadelphia definitely rates the edge in the running game with Saquon Barkley running wild all season long and also in the playoffs.
These two teams are so evenly matched it would not be a surprise if this one goes to overtime, just like the game did last year when the Chiefs edged out the San Francisco 49ers by a 25-22 count. K.C. Head Coach Andy Reid always seems to pull out something special in crunch time and if they can do that against the Eagles, they will make it three Super Bowl victories in a row. However, if the Eagles get it going with the ground game and the Chiefs don't have an answer to stop Barkley, then the Eagles will be hoisting up the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy.
PREDICTION - Eagles 31, Chiefs 27
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| Eagles RB Saquon Barkley had another huge playoff game. |
The Eagles punched their ticket as they buried the visiting Washington Commanders, 55-23 with running back Saquon Barkley (118 yards rushing on 15 carries) scoring three touchdowns, including a 60-yard romp to give his team a 7-3 lead in the first quarter. Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts also had three rushing touchdowns along with a TD pass to wide receiver A.J. Brown (four yard score) and Will Shipley (77 rushing yards) added another scoring run to account for the final tally. The Eagles also set an NFL record for most points scored in a conference championship game.
The Commanders kept it close in the first half, trailing 27-15 at the half as QB Jayden Daniels had a touchdown pass and Zane Gonzalez kicking three field goals. Daniels would add a ten-yard scoring run in third quarter to cut the Eagles lead to 34-23 with 5:01 remaining. Philadelphia blew it open with 21 points in the final quarter as Hurts, Barkley and Shipley had scoring runs and the team piled up 459 total yards, including 229 rushing yards. Meanwhile, the Eagles defense forced four turnovers (three fumbles, one interception) which led to 28 points scored in the rout.
Over in Kansas City, QB Patrick Mahomes (pictured right) had 245 passing yards along with two rushing touchdowns and also threw an 11-yard TD pass to Xavier Worthy while RB Kareem Hunt added a TD run and a 35-yard field goal by Harrison Butker with 3:33 left in the fourth quarter made the difference for a 32-29 win over the Buffalo Bills. The Chiefs are looking to win a third straight Super Bowl and will be making their fifth trip to the contest in the last six seasons.
The Bills battled throughout with the Chiefs in this one and tied the game at 29-29 with 6:15 remaining in the game when QB Josh Allen threw a four-yard scoring pass to Curtis Samuel. Allen had 237 passing yards and two touchdown passes in the loss, including a 34-yard TD thrown to wide receiver Mack Hollins, who made a sensational one handed grab for the score to get the Bills to within 21-16 at halftime.
The Bills took a 22-21 lead in the third quarter when RB James Cook (85 yards on 13 carries) scored his second rushing touchdown in the game with 2:56 remaining. The two-point try failed, setting up the fourth quarter dramatics as the Chiefs defense made two huge fourth down stops against the Buffalo offense. Mahomes had the ten yard scoring run with 10:14 left to go for a 29-22 lead, which included the two-point conversion. Buffalo would tie it up and then Mahomes and company drove downfield and got the field goal before the final stop by the Chiefs defense to seal the win.
It's another playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in Kansas City and this time around, the Bills are insisting it will be a different outcome. In past meetings in the post-season, the Chiefs have had it their way, including the miraculous "13 second" comeback win against the Bills in the 2021 AFC divisional round when Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes got the team into field goal position with just 13 seconds left in the game. They were able to tie it up and then win the game in overtime to advance to the Super Bowl.
But . . . that was then and this is now.
The Bills have owned the Chiefs in regular season meetings in recent years, but just cannot seem to get over the hump when they meet them in the playoffs. Well, this time Bills QB Josh Allen and company can get it done with the plethora of weapons they have on offense, including a solid running attack with (running back) James Cook and Allen himself, who scored twelve rushing touchdowns in the 2024 regular season and he added another last weekend in the divisional round win against the Baltimore Ravens.
On defense, the Bills have been getting healthy and have linebacker Matt Milano back in the fold for this game. The Bills feature a good mix of young and veteran talent on defense and as long as they don't allow the big play from happening (Mahomes to tight end Travis Kelce) that has haunted them so often in the past playoff meetings with Kansas City, they definitely have a chance to get to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1993 season.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, just keep rolling along and getting it done with Mahomes working his magic and leading clutch drives with the game on the line. Kansas City has won eleven one-score games this season and they do not panic when things can go awry early in a game. With several reliable wide receivers and (tight end) Kelce in tow, along with running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, the Chiefs provide a steady offensive attack.
A big key for this game will be the Bills offensive line protecting Josh Allen from a dynamic Kansas City pass rush, which sacked Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud eight times last week in the divisional round win. Allen can take off and run for big yardage and he did so in the regular season Bills win (30-21) over the Chiefs, including a game changing touchdown sprint that put the game away in the final quarter. Look for another classic battle between these two teams and it could go either way, but until proven otherwise, take the Chiefs at home with Mahomes and company getting it done yet again as they look to advance and try to win an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl.
PICK - Kansas City 23, Buffalo 20
Last Week's Record - 2-2
PLAYOFFS RECORD - 5-5
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Both of these teams have shown they can score points, especially Washington in recent weeks. The Eagles will have to see the condition of starting QB Jalen Hurts knee injury as this NFC Championship game looms. Philadelphia definitely has the better defense, but the Commanders have their swagger going on offense after lighting up the Detroit Lions for 45 points last weekend. The big factor that favors the Eagles is running back Saquon Barkley, who ran for over 200 yards and scored two touchdowns against the Rams (in the divisional round) with runs of 62 and 78 yards. The Eagles have averaged better than 200 rushing yards per game against the Commanders this season, so that could be the big difference.
Washington has running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson, Jr. along with wide receiver Terry McLaurin and (former Eagles player) tight end Zach Ertz, who has been clutch in recent games, including a touchdown grab in last week's divisional round win against the Detroit Lions. Those guys are primary weapons along with Daniels that makes the Commanders offense go. The Eagles defense has to keep Daniels in check and not let him get outside the pocket and make plays happen in the passing game or with his legs if nothing develops downfield with the receivers.
All in all, this game should be another tight one, but don't discount either teams abilities to get turnovers on defense. Washington forced four last weekend in their win while the Eagles recovered two fumbles that proved to help their victory over the Los Angeles Rams. In addition, the Philly defense intercepted three passes against Green Bay in the wild card round victory.
PICK - Philadelphia 26, Washington 21
Last Week's Record - 2-2
PLAYOFFS RECORD - 5-5
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| Eagles running back Saquon Barkley dominated against the Rams in playoff win. |
The Rams trailed 6-0 (Philly kicker Jake Elliott missed two PAT kicks in the game) when QB Matthew Stafford threw a four-yard TD pass to tight end Tyler Higbee for a 7-6 lead with 6:32 left in the first quarter. Barkley answered with the 62-yard scoring run with 1:07 left in the first for a 13-7 lead. The Rams trimmed their deficit to 13-10 at the half. Joshua Karty connected on a 34-yard field goal midway through the third quarter for a 13-13 tie and then Elliott made the first of his three field goals (44 yards) with 2:19 left in the third quarter for a 16-13 lead.
After a sack for safety by the L.A. defense, the Eagles went up 22-15 with a pair of field goals and then Barkley scored on the 78-yard dash for a 28-15 lead with 4:36 remaining in the game, but the PAT kick was no good. The Rams rallied right back with a drive that ended with a four yard scoring pass from Stafford (324 passing yards, two TD) to Colby Parkinson with 2:48 left to make it 28-22. But the Eagles were able to hold off the Rams in the final two minutes to get the win. The Rams lost two fumbles in the second half and allowed five sacks in the game while their defense sacked Hurts seven times.
The game between the Baltimore Ravens and the host Buffalo Bills lived up to the hype as the Bills won, 27-25 to earn a date against the Chiefs in Kansas City next Sunday in the AFC Championship Game. With the snow swirling throughout the evening in Buffalo, the teams went back and forth as Bills QB Josh Allen (pictured right) scored two rushing touchdowns and Ray Davis added another scoring run while kicker Tyler Bass made a pair of field goals to help provide the difference for the final score. Baltimore scored on a 24-yard TD pass from QB Lamar Jackson to tight end Isaiah Likely with 1:33 remaining in the game, but (for the second time in the game) the two-point conversion failed and when Buffalo recovered the onside kick, that wrapped it up. Jackson (254 passing yards, two TD, one INT) threw a 16-yard scoring pass to Rashod Bateman to get the scoring started with 10:40 left in the opening quarter and following two Justin Ticker field goals, the Ravens pulled to within 21-19 late in the third quarter when RB Derrick Henry (84 rushing yards) scored on a five-yard run. The two-point conversion failed and then Buffalo added the two field goals (51 and 21 yards) in fourth quarter prior to the late score by the Ravens, who out gained the Bills, 416-273 in total yards. But the three turnovers (one INT and two fumbles) by Baltimore proved to be a huge factor as the Buffalo Bills will move on.
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| Travis Kelce (87) and the Chiefs continue to roll. |
The Washington Commanders went into Detroit and blasted the Lions, 45-31 as rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels (pictured below right) and the offense simply did whatever they wanted against the Lions defense, shredding them for 31 first half points. Meanwhile, the Commanders defense forced FIVE turnovers (four interceptions, two by cornerback Mike Sainristil, and one fumble) to help the winning effort and putting Washington into the NFC title game for the first time since the 1991 season.
Earlier on Saturday in Kansas City, it was the Travis Kelce (seven receptions, 117 yards, one TD) show as the veteran tight end hauled in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes with 11:52 left in the fourth quarter to make it 20-12 for Kansas City. The Texans closed to within 13-12 on a 13-yard scoring run by RB Joe Mixon late in the third quarter, but the PAT kick was wide right. Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt scored on a one-yard TD run in the first half for a 13-3 lead, which was trimmed to 13-6 at the half. The Kansas City defense sacked Texans QB C.J. Stroud eight times in the victory, which puts the Chiefs in the AFC title game (in K.C.) next weekend against the winner of the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills.
The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will get it started on Saturday afternoon with a home game against the Houston Texans, who came to life last week in a wild card game blowout win against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs enjoyed the bye week after a 15-2 regular season and are led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who knows how to get it done come January and February. In just his seventh season as a starter, Mahomes already has three Super Bowl rings to his credit.
Texans QB C.J. Stroud had a solid game last week after a so-so second
NFL season, so he will be looking to get it going right away in this
one. Kansas City is a tough place to play, especially in the playoffs. The Texans did battle the Chiefs tough in mid-December, but fell short in that game. The playoffs are a different element, however and the Chiefs should advance to the AFC Championship game once again.
PICK - Chiefs 24, Texans 16
On Saturday evening in Detroit, the Lions (the top seed in the NFC) will host the upstart Washington Commanders, who knocked off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-20 in the wild card game on a game ending field goal. The road win was a bit surprising as rookie QB Jayden Daniels directed the game winning drive and has led several come from behind, last minute victories. The Lions will be ready and Head Coach Dan Campbell knows not to take any team lightly, especially in the playoffs.
Boasting the highest scoring offense in the league, the Lions can score from anywhere at any time and QB Jared Goff had a big season with all the weapons on the roster. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs has been handling the load since David Montgomery went out with a knee injury, but Montgomery could be on the field for this one, which is definitely a surprise considering the severity of the injury just over a month ago. The key (as always) will be avoiding turnovers and whichever team does that will likely win this one. The Lions should roar yet again and move onto their second straight NFC title game.
PICK - Lions 34, Commanders 21
The Philadelphia Eagles and their top flight defense play at home on Sunday against the surging Los Angeles Rams, who come off a 27-9 win against Minnesota in the wild card round. Rams veteran QB Matthew Stafford will be looking to bolster the offense against the best defense in the NFL this past season. Philly held the Green Bay Packers to a meager ten points last Sunday in the wild card home field win. As long as the defense continues to imply its will, the Eagles will be in good shape.
Offensively, the Eagles will roll with running back Saquon Barkley, who rambled for 2,005 rushing yards in 2024 and he will be the focal point again. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has multiple targets to pass to and he also can provide a boost to the running game as he went for 630 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. The Rams defense will provide a tough challenge and they sacked Vikings QB Sam Darnold nine times last Monday night in the wild card game victory. This game could come down to the final minutes, but the likelihood is the host Eagles will soar ahead to the NFC Championship game.
PICK - Eagles 26, Rams 17
On Sunday evening in Buffalo, the "game of the year" in these playoffs will take place between the host Bills and the Baltimore Ravens, who are rolling full steam ahead with their vaunted running game, led by Derrick Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson, who also threw 41 TD passes this season with only four interceptions. Not to be outdone, Bills QB Josh Allen can do damage both passing and running the football. The Ravens vastly improved defense will have to be ready if they want to beat the Bills once again. Way back in Week Four, the Ravens lambasted the Bills, 35-10 (in Baltimore) and kept Allen and company in check.
But that was then and this is now . . . as in PLAYOFF FOOTBALL in Buffalo. So look for a much more competitive game in this one. The Bills defense has been better since allowing back-to-back 40-plus point games back in December, giving up just over 16 points on average in the last four games. Containing Jackson in the pocket and keying on Henry in the backfield will be the priority for the defense and if the Bills can do that, they should come away with the win. The odds are against that as Baltimore's offense has been nearly unstoppable since a 24-19 loss to Philadelphia in early December. The Ravens have scored 30 or more points in four of the last five games.
This game could be the one that goes to overtime to decide the outcome. It's that close folks and the team that makes the big plays on defense will win.
PICK - Ravens 24, Bills 21
Last Week's Playoff Pick Results - 3-3
Playoff Record - 3-3
FINAL SEASON RECORD - 187-85
The Philadelphia Eagles won at home, 22-10 against the Green Bay Packers to advance to the divisional round as their defense intercepted Packers QB Jordan Love three times, including the game clincher in the end zone by Quinyon Mitchell with less than two minutes remaining. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts had two TD passes and RB Saquon Barkley rushed for 119 yards on 25 carries while kicker Jake Elliott made three field goals to help provide the final outcome. Packers RB Josh Jacobs had a rushing touchdown in defeat.
The Houston Texans woke from their late season slumber and manhandled the visiting Los Angeles Chargers, 32-12 in the AFC Wild Card playoff game on Saturday. Trailing 6-0 in the second quarter, the Texans took the lead when quarterback C.J. Stroud (282 passing yards, one TD, one interception) threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Niko Collins. Houston added a field goal for a 10-6 halftime lead. The second half was dominated by the Texans defense as Chargers QB Justin Herbert was intercepted four times in the game, including a "pick six" 38-yard TD return by Eric Murray for a 20-6 lead late in the third quarter. Houston running back Joe Mixon got loose in the second half, scoring a 17-yard rushing touchdown while finishing with 106 yards on 25 carries in the win. The Texans gained 429 yards in total offense while allowing 261 yards by the Chargers, including just 50 rushing yards.
On Saturday night in Baltimore, the Ravens won, 28-14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers as running back Derrick Henry (pictured right) went off for two rushing scores, including a 44-yard jaunt, and 186 yards (on 26 carries) and QB Lamar Jackson passed for two touchdowns and rushed for 81 yards as Baltimore piled up 299 yards on the ground. The Ravens defense had four sacks and limited the Steelers to only 29 rushing yards. Pittsburgh trailed 21-0 at the half and then QB Russell Wilson (270 passing yards) threw a pair of scoring passes in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 14 points entering the fourth quarter, but that was it as the Ravens sealed the game and advanced to the divisional round next weekend.
The Washington Commanders won, 23-20 over the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay on Sunday night for their first playoff victory since the 2005 season as kicker Zane Gonzalez made a 37-yard field goal that went through the goal posts after hitting the right upright. That break enabled them to advance to the divisional round next weekend and was his third field goal in the game. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield fumbled the ball and the Commanders drove into position for the winning kick. For the game, Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels threw for two touchdowns and 268 passing yards while adding 36 rushing yards. Mayfield threw two scoring passes in the loss.
On Monday night, the Los Angeles Rams used strong defense to win, 27-9 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Rams defense sacked Vikings QB Sam Darnold nine times and scored a touchdown when Jared Verse scooped up a fumble on a sack and raced 57 yards to make it a 17-3 Rams lead. Just before halftime, Rams QB Matthew Stafford threw his second TD pass in the game for a 24-3 advantage. The Rams will play at Philadelphia next Sunday in the divisional round.
WILD CARD GAME PLAYOFF RESULTS
Saturday, January 11
Houston 32, L.A. Chargers 12
Baltimore 28, Pittsburgh 14
Sunday, January 12
Buffalo 31, Denver 7
Philadelphia 22, Green Bay 10
Washington 23, Tampa Bay 20
Monday, January 13
L.A. Rams 27, Minnesota 9
Saturday, January 11
AFC Wild Card Games
Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) at Houston Texans (10-7) - The Chargers are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2022 and this time they want to advance to the divisional round. Led by a stout defense and quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers exceeded expectations under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has a knack for turning around struggling football teams at both the pro and collegiate level. The Houston Texans are banged up heading into the playoffs, missing wide receivers Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs. Quarterback C.J. Stroud took a step back from his excellent rookie season in 2023, so he will need to rediscover the magic if the Texans want to advance in the wild card round.
PICK - Chargers 23, Texans 17
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) at Baltimore Ravens (12-5) - The Ravens are one of the hottest teams in the NFL heading into the playoffs and they trounced the Steelers just three weeks ago, 34-17 and quarterback Lamar Jackson finally got a win against the Steelers after going 1-7 in recent head-to-head games. The Ravens can score points and Pittsburgh will need to knock Jackson and company off their rhythm while also trying to lock down AFC leading rusher Derrick Henry (1,921 rushing yards, 16 TD) and that could too much to ask. The Ravens will be without their deep threat WR Zay Flowers (knee injury) in this game, so that should benefit the Steelers defense. Meanwhile, the Steelers offense has been sputtering down the stretch (four straight losses) with QB Russell Wilson looking lost out there. The running game has been non-existant and if the Steelers want to win this one, they have to find a way to sustain drives and score enough points to beat the Ravens.
PICK - Ravens 31, Steelers 20
Sunday, January 12
AFC Wild Card Game
Denver Broncos (10-7) at Buffalo Bills (13-4) - The Cinderella Broncos head to Buffalo after qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 season (when they won Super Bowl 50) and have rookie QB Bo Nix leading the offense, which has been super in the second half of the season. The Broncos defense is vaunted, but they can be had, evidenced when the L.A. Chargers lit them up recently for 34 points in a big comeback victory. The Bills are led by MVP candidate quarterback Josh Allen (3,731 passing yards, 28 TD, six INT and 531 rushing yards, 12 TD) and they can put the points on the scoreboard. As long as the Bills do their thing on offense and do not turn the football over, they should win this game.
PICK - Bills 28, Broncos 20
NFC Wild Card Games
Green Bay Packers (11-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) - These two teams met in the season opener in Brazil and the Eagles won, 34-29. The big question surrounding this one will be whether either starting quarterback will be ready to play. Packers QB Jordan Love (elbow) and Eagles starter Jalen Hurts (concussion) could be game time decisions. When they are on the football field, both of these guys can get it done. The Packers averaged just under 29 points per game this season while the Eagles did the same. The big key favoring the Eagles is the running game, where Saquon Barkley went for 2,005 rushing yards to lead the NFL and also scored 13 rushing touchdowns. He also out the final game to be fresh for the playoffs. Packers top running back Josh Jacobs rushed for 1,329 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. Green Bay did struggle during December and the January season finale, going 2-3, but all those losses were by three or fewer points. The Eagles had the NFL's top defense this season and also ranked number two in scoring defense, allowing 17.8 points per game. This game should be a close one and could come down to the final possession.
PICK - Eagles 27, Packers 24
Washington Commanders (12-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7) - The Bucs manhandled rookie QB Jayden Daniels and the Commanders, 37-20 in the season opener, but since that time, Daniels developed into a much better quarterback and is favored to win the NFL Rookie of the Year Award. Tampa Bay's defense has been getting it going in recent weeks, allowing just 17 PPG over the final seven games. Washington has the confidence coming into the post-season, having beaten Philadelphia three weeks ago and doing what is necessary to win. The Bucs offense is led by QB Baker Mayfield, who had his best season as a pro, passing for 4,500 yards with 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Rookie RB Bucky Irving has been excellent and of course, WR Mike Evans had another solid season and will be the go to guy in the passing game.
PICK - Buccaneers 30, Commanders 24
Monday, January 13
NFC Wild Card Game
Minnesota Vikings (14-3) at Los Angeles Rams (10-7) - The Rams have been playing well down the stretch and they won the NFC West division while the Vikings blew a chance at the top seed in the NFC last weekend, losing 31-9 to the Detroit Lions. So they are on the road against a Rams team that features QB Matthew Stafford, wide receivers Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp and running back Kyren Williams. The Vikings defense has been solid most of the season, but the Rams did put up 27 points (Week 8) in a 27-24 win against Minnesota. The Vikings feature QB Sam Darnold (4,319 passing yards, 35 TD, 12 INT), who had his best ever season in the NFL and has a huge target in WR Justin Jefferson, who had 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and ten touchdowns. There is the possibility this game could be moved to Arizona because of the raging wild fires in California, so stay tuned on that aspect. All in all, this could be the best game in the wild card round. (NOTE - The game has been moved to Glendale, AZ on Monday night.)
PICK - Vikings 31, Rams 24
Last Week's Record - 11-5
FINAL SEASON RECORD - 187-85
Lock of the Week Record - 15-3
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| Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs dominated in big win over the Vikings. |
The Denver Broncos (10-7) clinched the seventh and final AFC playoff spot with a 38-0 shutout win at home against the top seeded Kansas City Chiefs (15-2), who rested their starting players. Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix passed for 321 yards and four touchdowns to lead the rout. The Chiefs managed just five first downs in the loss and only 98 total yards in offense.
In Dallas, the Washington Commanders (12-5) toppled the Cowboys, 23-19 when wide receiver Terry McLaurin hauled in a five-yard TD pass from backup QB Marcus Mariota with just three seconds remaining in the game. Dallas finished the season at 7-10 and missed the playoffs for the first time in four years. The Commanders are the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs.
The Chicago Bears (5-12) snapped a ten game losing streak and played spoiler (of sorts) by knocking off the host Green Bay Packers, 24-22 on a 51-yard field goal by Cairo Santos as time expired. The Packers (11-6) took a 22-21 lead when Brandon McManus kicked a 55-yard field goal with 58 seconds left to play. Green Bay slipped to the seventh seed in the NFC playoffs as a result of them loss. The Bears took a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter when Josh Blackwell took a punt back 94 yards for a touchdown. The lead increased to 21-13 with 4:53 left to go in the fourth quarter when Bears QB Caleb Williams threw a 32-yard TD pass to wide receiver DJ Moore. The Packers trimmed the deficit to 21-19 on a 21-yard TD run by Emanuel Wilson with 1:30 left, but the two-point conversion failed.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7) clinched the NFC South division with a 27-19 win against the visiting New Orleans Saints (5-12) by scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield threw his second scoring pass of the game with 10:09 left and then RB Bucky Irving scored on an 11-yard run with 1:51 remaining.
The Atlanta Falcons (8-9) lost at home, 44-38 in overtime against the Carolina Panthers (5-12) to finish out of the playoffs (by virtue of Tampa Bay winning their game) by losing for the sixth time in the final eight games this season. Panthers QB Bryce Young threw for three touchdowns and also ran for two more scores to pace the offense, which gained 425 yards. The Falcons totaled 537 yards in offense in the loss, as rookie QB Michael Penix, Jr. had two TD passes and a scoring run and RB Bijan Robinson (170 yards on 28 carries) scored two rushing touchdowns.
In Philadelphia, the Eagles (14-3) beat the New York Giants, 20-13 with many starters sitting out the game. Backup QB Tanner McKee had two TD passes along with 269 passing yards in the win. The Giants (3-14) only touchdown came on a 45-yard pass from QB Drew Lock to WR Malik Nabers.
The Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) jumped past the Pittsburgh Steelers in
the AFC playoff standings with a 34-20 road win against the Las Vegas
Raiders (4-13) as QB Justin Herbert passed for a pair of touchdowns
along with 346 passing yards. The Chargers defense led the NFL is
scoring defense this season (301 points allowed) as they stifled the
Raiders in the second half after trailing 10-3 in the second quarter.
Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers let a record for receptions in a
season and hauled in a 12-yard TD pass from Aidan O'Connell in defeat.
In the two Saturday games, the Baltimore Ravens (12-5) clinched the AFC North division title with a 35-10 thumping of the visiting Cleveland Browns (3-14) behind two rushing touchdowns and 138 yards (on 20 carries) from running back Derick Henry and two TD passes from QB Lamar Jackson. (both pictured right) On defense, cornerback Nate Wiggins had a 26-yard interception return for another score as the Browns managed just 230 yards in total offense.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh later that night, the Cincinnati Bengals (9-8) won, 19-17 against the Steelers (10-7) as Cade York made four field goals and Joe Burrow threw for a touchdown. The Steelers lost their fourth consecutive game to end the season as Najee Harris scored a rushing touchdown and QB Russell Wilson threw a scoring pass in the loss. The Bengals were eliminated from playoff contention when Denver won on Sunday while the Steelers made the AFC playoffs as a wild card team.
The New England Patriots (4-13) beat the visiting Buffalo Bills (13-4), who already had sewn up the number two seed in the AFC and rested many players, by a 23-16 score and after the game, the Patriots fired first year Head Coach Jerod Mayo. New England QB Joe Milton III scored a rushing touchdown and also had a scoring pass and kicker Joey Slye made three field goals in the second half to help provide the winning margin.
The New York Jets won 32-20 at home against the Miami Dolphins (8-9) to finish the season at 5-12 as QB Aaron Rodgers threw four TD passes (surpassing 500 touchdown passes in his career). Dolphins RB De'Von Achane scored a touchdown and ran for 121 yards on just 11 carries in the loss.
The Houston Texans (10-7) finished up the regular season with a 23-14 road win against the hapless Tennessee Titans (3-14 and the team that will have the number one pick in the NFL draft) as C.J. Stroud threw a TD pass and RB Dameon Pierce scored on a 92-yard run and totaled 176 rushing yards on 19 carries to lead the way. Texans defensive lineman Derek Barnett had a 36-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown as well. Titans QB Will Levis had a TD pass in defeat.
Indianapolis rode the legs of running back Jonathan Taylor (177 yards on 34 carries and two TD) in a 26-23 overtime victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13). The Colts (8-9) also got a scoring pass from QB Joe Flacco and Matt Gay's 38-yard field goal in the OT made the difference. Following the season ending game, the Jaguars fired Head Coach Doug Pederson.
The Los Angeles Rams (10-7) were already in the NFC playoffs as West division champions, so they went with many backups in a 30-25 loss against the visiting Seattle Seahawks (10-7), who got four TD passes from QB Geno Smith to offset two scoring passes from Rams backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
The Arizona Cardinals (8-9) opened it up in the fourth quarter (scoring 21 points) as they blasted the visiting San Francisco 49ers, 47-24 as QB Kyler Murray had four TD passes. The 49ers (6-11) went with Joshua Dobbs at quarterback and he had 326 passing yards and two TD passes and one interception in the loss.
WEEK EIGHTEEN RESULTS
Baltimore 35, Cleveland 10
Cincinnati 19, Pittsburgh 17
Houston 23, Tennessee 14
New England 23, Buffalo 16
Chicago 24, Green Bay 22
Philadelphia 20, N.Y. Giants 13
Washington 23, Dallas 19
Tampa Bay 27, New Orleans 19
Indianapolis 26, Jacksonville 23 (OT)
Carolina 44, Atlanta 38 (OT)
L.A. Chargers 34, Las Vegas 20
N.Y. Jets 32, Miami 20
Denver 38, Kansas City 0
Arizona 47, San Francisco 24
Seattle 30, L.A. Rams 25
Detroit 31, Minnesota 9
The biggest game this weekend will take place in Detroit on Sunday night as the Lions and Minnesota Vikings (both 14-2) play each other for the NFC North division crown and the top seed in the NFC playoffs. On Saturday, two games featuring AFC North teams will take place as the Baltimore Ravens (11-5) host the Cleveland Browns (3-13) and the Cincinnati Bengals face the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) in the Steeel City. If the Ravens win, they clinch the division title. But if the Browns can pull off the upset, the Steelers can win the division with a win against Cincinnati.
One interesting note this weekend sees Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley likely sitting out the final game, thus ending his bid to break the 40-year old record for most rushing yards in a single season held by Eric Dickerson (2,105 yards in 1984). Barkley has 2,005 yards, but with the Eagles (13-3) already secured as the number two seed in the NFC, it's likely he won't play against the New York Giants (3-13) on Sunday afternoon.
The capsule style previews for all 16 games are featured and then the final regular season Heftyinfo picks follow up.
Cleveland (3-13) at Baltimore (11-5) - The Ravens need this one to secure a home game in the first round of the AFC playoffs. Browns are looking forward to the NFL Draft next spring.
Cincinnati (8-8) at Pittsburgh (10-6) - Can the Steelers stop their three game skid and knock the Bengals (and red hot quarterback Joe Burrow) out of playoff contention?
N.Y. Giants (3-13) at Philadelphia (13-3) - The only drama in this one would be running back Saquon Barkley breaking the single season rushing record.
Buffalo (13-3) at New England (3-13) - The Bills will be resting many starters, so the Patriots could win this one.
Houston (9-7) at Tennessee (3-13) - The Texans have already sewn up the number four seed in the AFC, which could mean the host Titans could get the win.
Carolina (4-12) at Atlanta (8-8) - Falcons must win this one and get some help to reach the NFC playoffs.
Washington (11-5) at Dallas (7-9) - The Commanders could move up in the NFC playoff picture so the Cowboys better be ready.
Chicago (4-12) at Green Bay (11-5) - The Packers have owned this rivalry over the last decade plus . . . expect more of the same in this one.
Jacksonville (4-12) at Indianapolis (7-9) - Colts really blew it last week losing to the lowly New York Giants. They are out of playoff contention and the Jaguars could win this one.
New Orleans (5-11) at Tampa Bay (9-7) - The Buccaneers should roll in this one and win the NFC South division.
Kansas City (15-1) at Denver (9-7) - The Chiefs will sit many starters, including QB Patrick Mahomes . . . Broncos can make the playoffs for the first time in nine years with a win.
L.A. Chargers (10-6) at Las Vegas (4-12) - The Chargers could move up to the number five spot in the AFC playoff picture, so they have incentive to win this game.
Miami (8-8) at N.Y. Jets (4-12) - The Dolphins need this one, but will likely be without starting QB Tua Tagovailoa again this week. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers likely playing his last game with the Jets. Take the Dolphins.
San Francisco (6-10) at Arizona (7-9) - This season cannot end quick enough for the 49ers. The Cardinals have been a pleasant surprise this year. Toss up here.
Seattle (9-7) at L.A. Rams (10-6) - The Rams are already in the playoffs and the Seahawks are out. Toss up in this one.
Minnesota (14-2) at Detroit (14-2) - The game of the year between two NFC powerhouses . . . Take the Lions in a squeaker.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Eighteen . . . . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
BALTIMORE over Cleveland
Cincinnati over Pittsburgh
Philadelphia over N.Y. Giants
New England over Buffalo
Houston over Tennessee
Atlanta over Carolina
Washington over Dallas
Green Bay over Chicago
Jacksonville over Indianapolis
Tampa Bay over New Orleans
Denver over Kansas City
L.A. Chargers over Las Vegas
Miami over N.Y. Jets
Arizona over San Francisco
L.A. Rams over Seattle
Detroit over Minnesota
Last Week's Record - 11-5
SEASON RECORD - 176-80
Lock of the Week Record - 14-3
